Ceramics: A Pressing Matter

In the late 1980s, although PFMs were still considered by many to be the esthetic standard for clinical longevity, pressable ceramics—starting with IPS Empress and Optimal Pressable Glass (OPC)—began to drive the metal-free dentistry movement. The improved esthetics and biocompatibility—coupled with soaring precious metal prices—quickly made the pressable technique a successful and cost-effective way to fabricate metal-free restorations. Later, the technique was further adapted, giving us press-to-metal and press-to-zirconia restorations.